Annie Lee



BREATHSCAPE

Breathing, made Tangible




ROLEResearch, Design, and Development
with Steph Wu DURATION4 Weeks (April 2024) TOOLSFigma, D3.js, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Garmin Smartwatch Data, Paper PrototypingSKILLSData Physicalization, Data Visualization, Quantified-Self Analysis, Rapid Prototyping, Branding, Product Design PROJECT OVERVIEW
Breathscape transforms breathing into something you can see, touch, and build. Through a curated origami kit and a guided breathing app, it turns an invisible daily act into a tactile ritual. The project explores how data, material, and form can support mindfulness through embodiment rather than screens alone.

THE CHALLENGE
Mindfulness feels fleeting. Most breathing apps live on a screen — once the session ends, the practice disappears. Without something tangible to hold onto, it’s easy for the habit (and the calm it brings) to fade away.

Breathing is invisible. We breathe constantly, but the act itself is hard to see or feel. Apps offer numbers or cues, but rarely help users experience their breath in a physical, embodied way.
DESIGN INTENT
We set out to create a physical model that makes breath visible and felt. Using paper—a material that is lightweight, flexible, and personal to assemble—we designed a curated origami kit that folds and inflates into a breathing sculpture. Paired with a guided app, Breathscape turns an invisible bodily act into an immersive ritual that is:

Tangible through touch, rhythm, and ritual
Personal through reflection, resonance, and emotional connection
The project draws inspiration from Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s immersive installations and Karolina Maszkiewicz’s paper art for its organic, ephemeral qualities.

THE ORIGAMI KIT
The kit comes in a instructional envelope with a foldable petal box enclosed with origami paper and instructions. Lightweight sheets of paper are grouped by breathing exercises. They fold into paper balloons - sizes correspond with seconds of breaths - for users to inflate and assemble.



Breathscape